U.S. patent application number 15/738705 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-28 for rotatable fishing rod holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Exploding Fish Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to James Arthur McQuade.
Application Number | 20180177174 15/738705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59055428 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180177174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McQuade; James Arthur |
June 28, 2018 |
Rotatable Fishing Rod Holder
Abstract
A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod
holding tube with an annular flange extending radially from an
upper end thereof, and an annular cover member to attach relative
to a surface over the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube
to the surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative
thereto.
Inventors: |
McQuade; James Arthur;
(Brisbane, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Exploding Fish Pty Ltd |
Edge Hill, Queensland |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
59055428 |
Appl. No.: |
15/738705 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 12, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2016/051222 |
371 Date: |
December 21, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 11/10 20130101;
A01K 97/10 20130101; F16B 9/026 20130101; B63B 25/28 20130101; F16B
9/056 20180801; F16C 11/06 20130101; F16B 9/052 20180801 |
International
Class: |
A01K 97/10 20060101
A01K097/10; F16B 9/02 20060101 F16B009/02; F16C 11/10 20060101
F16C011/10; F16C 11/06 20060101 F16C011/06; B63B 25/28 20060101
B63B025/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2015 |
AU |
2015905198 |
Claims
1. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod
holding tube with an annular flange extending radially from an
upper end thereof, an annular member for abutting of an underside
of the annular flange and an annular cover member to attach
relative to a surface over the annular flange to hold the rod
holding tube to the surface but allow rotation of the rod holding
tube relative thereto.
2. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 wherein the annular member is attached relative to a surface and
the annular cover member is attached to the annular member with the
annular flange of the rod holding tube located therebetween.
3. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 including a laterally extending pin provided across a lower end
of the rod holding tube.
4. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 wherein the annular flange is provided at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube defining a rest angle of
a fishing rod when placed into the rotatable flush mounted fishing
rod holder.
5. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 wherein a low friction member is provided between the annular
member and the annular flange.
6. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 wherein a low friction member is provided between the cover
member and the annular flange.
7. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
1 further including a releasable locking mechanism to at least
temporarily lock the rod holding tube against rotation and to be
releasable as required to allow rotation of the rod holding
tube.
8. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
7 wherein the annular flange has a shaped locking detail provided
on at least one surface.
9. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim
7 wherein a locking actuator is provided in association with the
cover plate and which is movable between a locked condition in
which a portion of the locking actuator and/or a member associated
with the locking actuator and moved by the locking actuator engages
with the locking detail on the annular flange and an unlocked
condition in which a portion of the locking actuator and/or a
member associated with the locking actuator and moved by the
locking actuator is free from the locking detail.
10. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 9 wherein the locking actuator is biased into the locked
condition
11. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 9 wherein the locking actuator moves about a substantially
horizontal axis.
12. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 9 wherein the locking actuator moves about a substantially
vertical axis.
13. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 9 wherein a latching mechanism is provided to temporarily
maintain the locking actuator in the unlocked condition.
14. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 8 wherein the locking detail includes one or more locking
openings extending into the annular flange typically substantially
vertically.
15. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 8 wherein the shaped locking detail is provided on a
circumferential surface of the annular flange.
16. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 15 wherein the shaped locking detail is a scalloped surface
having alternating peaks and valleys extending at least partially
about an edge of the annular flange.
17. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the cover plate is threadingly attached relative to
the annular member in order to change the separation distance
between an underside of the cover plate and the annular flange.
18. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 17 wherein an annular guide is provided above the annular
flange with at least one locking pin mounted relative thereto, each
locking pin biased into an unlocked condition in which the locking
pin is free from the shaped locking detail in the annular flange
but when the cover plate is screwed down towards the annular
flange, at least a portion of at least one locking pin is forced
into engagement with shaped locking detail in the annular flange in
order to prevent rotation of the annular flange and thereby prevent
rotation of the rod holding tube.
19. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 17 wherein the cover plate is provided with an enlarged
portion in order to allow a user to more easily lock and unlock the
cover plate through rotation which will change the separation
distance between the underside of the cover plate and the annular
flange.
20. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 17 wherein the cover plate is threadingly attached relative
to the baseplate in order to change the separation distance between
an underside of the cover plate and the annular flange and a spring
steel locking plate is provided such that when the cover plate is
screwed down towards the annular flange, a portion of the spring
steel locking plate abuts the annular flange preventing rotation of
the annular flange.
21. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 17 wherein an at least partially threaded upstand is provided
relative to the annular member, and a correspondingly at least
partially threaded portion is provided on an underside of the cover
plate such that the separation between the cover plate on the
annular flange can be changed by tightening or loosening the cover
plate relative to the annular member.
22. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in
claim 1 wherein movement of the rod holding tube is motorised
through engagement of a motor with the annular flange.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
fishing apparatus and particularly to a rotatable flush mounted
fishing rod holder for installation into the gunwale of a boat or
watercraft.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Known fishing rod holders for installation into the gunwale
of a boat or watercraft are installed in a fixed non-adjustable
position. They are generally canted or inclined rearwardly relative
to the normal direction of travel.
[0003] Known fishing rod holders suffer from a large number of
problems. As they are non adjustable, they hold the rods fixed in
one position. The rods generally need to be removed for rig
adjustment or re rigging as well as to boat a catch. When trolling
rods are set in one position which can result in entanglement.
Also, when travelling, the rods protrude laterally outside the
craft which can result in damage to rods and/or the craft
[0004] Still further, when fishing and a fish strikes, the rod can
be in a compromised position when under load which can result in
damage to rod and loss of catch.
[0005] Yet further, fasteners on top of the gunnel are more exposed
to the elements resulting in corrosion.
[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art
publication is referred to herein, this reference does not
constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the
common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other
country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a rotatable flush
mounted fishing rod holder, which may at least partially overcome
at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the
consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one
form, resides broadly in a rotatable flush mounted fishing rod
holder including [0009] a) a rod holding tube with an annular
flange extending radially from an upper end thereof, [0010] b) an
annular member for abutting of an underside of the annular flange
and [0011] c) an annular cover member to attach relative to a
surface over the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube to the
surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative
thereto.
[0012] In another broader form, the present invention resides in a
rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod holding
tube with an annular flange extending radially from an upper end
thereof, and an annular cover member to attach relative to a
surface over the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube to the
surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative
thereto.
[0013] In another form, the present invention resides in a
rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including [0014] a) a
rod holding tube with an annular flange extending radially from an
upper end thereof, [0015] b) an annular member for engaging with
the rod holding tube to attach relative to a surface to hold the
rod holding tube to the surface but allow rotation of the rod
holding tube relative thereto.
[0016] The rod holding tube of the present invention will
preferably include a bore, normally centrally located through the
tube. The bore may be of any internal cross-sectional shape but
will normally be substantially circular.
[0017] The rod holding tube of the present invention is preferably
elongate. The length of the elongate rod holding tube may vary in
order to securely receive rods of different lengths although the
length of the elongate rod holding tube will typically vary
according to the internal and/or external dimension of the rod
holding tube.
[0018] The rod holding tube will preferably be generally circular
in cross-sectional shape although other shapes may be used.
[0019] A radially extending flange is preferably provided at an
upper end of the rod holding tube. According to a particularly
preferred embodiment, the radially extending flange will typically
be stepped having an outer, a lower annular portion and an inner,
higher annular portion.
[0020] The rod holding tube will preferably be provided with a
shaped inlet or opening at an upper end thereof, through the
radially extending flange. The inlet will normally be provided with
a tapered portion. According to the most preferred embodiment, a
portion of the bore will preferably be provided tangentially to one
side of the tapered opening and a tapered wall will normally be
provided about the remainder of the upper end of the bore.
[0021] The rod holding tube is preferably unitary in construction.
Typically, the rod holding tube will be provided in one of a number
of predetermined sizes to accept different diameter round
butts.
[0022] The lower end of the rod holding tube can be closed or open.
It is particularly preferred that a laterally extending pin or
similar may be provided across the lower end of the rod holding
tube in order to stop the rod extending past the lateral pin. The
laterally extending pin or similar will also typically function as
a gimbal engagement for the lower end of a rod.
[0023] The rod holding tube may be manufactured of any material or
combination of materials and although metal could be used, a
plastic material is preferred. Normally, if provided, the laterally
extending pin or similar will be manufactured from metal.
[0024] The radially extending flange will normally be provided at
an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube itself.
The angle of the radially extending flange relative to the
longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube will normally define the
rest angle of the rod.
[0025] Generally, the rod holding tube angle has varying degrees of
inclination relative to the gunwale such as substantially 90
degrees, but inclinations of 75 degrees and 60 degrees will be more
preferred.
[0026] The present invention also includes a cover member. The
cover member will preferably be generally circular although other
shapes could be used. The cover member will preferably be provided
with a central opening there through. The central opening will
preferably be dimensioned to receive the inner, higher stepped
portion of the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube
closely within, normally in abutment and an upper surface of the
higher stepped portion of the radially extending flange will
preferably be flush with an upper extremity of the cover
member.
[0027] The cover member will preferably be provided with an arcuate
top surface and a depending, circumferentially extending skirt.
Normally, the skirt will define a step within the cover member to
correspond with the step shape of the radially extending flange of
the rod holding tube.
[0028] Preferably, one or more receiving openings or assemblies are
provided about the skirt in order to receive fasteners to attach
the cover member to the gunwale. Normally, the receiving openings
or assemblies are provided relative to an underside of the skirt.
It is particularly preferred that the receiving openings or
assemblies extend into but not through the cover member although in
some configurations, the openings may extend through the cover
member in order to receive fasteners from above the cover
member.
[0029] According to a most preferred embodiment, the inner step of
the cover member will abut the lower, outer step of the radially
extending flange provided on the rod holding tube. In this way, the
radially extending flange of the rod holding tube will be
sandwiched between the surface relative to which the rod holder is
attached and the cover member. Normally, the friction between the
surface will act to allow rotation but minimise movement of the rod
holding tube.
[0030] The cover member may be metal or plastic and will typically
be unitary.
[0031] In some embodiments, the present invention will include a
friction member located between the surface relative to which the
rod holder is attached and an underside of the radially extending
flange. Preferably, the friction member will be a substantially
planar, annular disc. An opening will normally be provided through
the friction member in order to receive the rod holding tube.
[0032] An upper surface of the friction member will normally abut a
lower surface of the radially extending flange on the rod holding
tube and a lower surface of the friction member will normally abut
an upper surface of the gunwale. In this way, the friction member
will typically be sandwiched between the surface and the radially
extending flange of the rod holding tube.
[0033] The friction member may be provided in a low friction or
high friction configuration. Further, one surface of the friction
member may be low friction on the opposite surface may be high
friction. This will preferably allow movement in particular
configurations and/or prevent/minimise movement in other
configurations.
[0034] One or more openings will normally be provided through the
friction member in order to allow the preferred fasteners to pass
through the friction member. The friction member will typically be
similarly sized to the external diameter of the skirt of the
radially extending flange.
[0035] Fasteners may be installed from the lower side upwardly into
or through the cover member or alternatively, the fasteners may
extend downwardly through the cover members although this is less
preferred as it leaves the fasteners exposed. The fasteners will
typically have the form of elongate, threaded members such as
screws or bolts but other fastening assemblies may be used.
[0036] The assembly may further include a second member preferably
a disc of similar shape and dimensions to the friction member for
reinforcing or stabilising the assembly. This second member will
preferably be provided to strengthen the assembly. Normally, the
second member is located under the panel/gunwale of the water
craft. Preferably, the fasteners will extend through the second
member, through the panel/gunwale of the water craft, through the
friction member and into the underside of the cover member.
[0037] The cover member and/or rod holding tube may be constructed
out of various plastics, alloys and stainless steels, as well as
timbers, fibreglass, Kevlar, carbon fibre or any other materials of
reasonable manufacturing strength. Preferably, this invention will
be made of anodised aluminium or powder-coated aluminium of varying
colours and patterned or polished designs where exposed,
particularly the cover member.
[0038] The rod holding tube will preferably be made of ABS plastic
materials or similar, but other materials could be used.
[0039] The friction member will preferably be made of a softer
wearing type material such as nylon, but not excluding other types
of wearing materials, including rubbers or soft metals or the
materials used for the cover member and/or rod holding tube. The
second disc is preferably a reinforcing/stabilizing disc and of a
similar nature to the friction member but can be made of any of the
aforementioned materials.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover may be
provided with a bevelled or rolled inner edge which allows the
cover to mate with or be flush with an arcuate portion of the bore
at the upper end of the rod holding tube, rather than receiving a
portion or step of the radially extending flange of the rod holding
tube at an upper end in order to be flush with that portion. The
difference is largely one of aesthetics but a rolled or bevelled
edge provided on the inner edge of the cover may reduce damage to
the rod holding tube, particularly if the cover is made of a
material such as metal and the rod holding tube is made of plastic
for example. In this embodiment, the underside of the cover will
normally have a stepped profile in order to match the stepped
profile of the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube so
as to allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative to the
cover.
[0041] According to an alternative embodiment, the cover may attach
to an annular member in order to cover fasteners. For example, an
annular member may be provided above the radially extending flange
of the rod holding tube and be attached to or mounted to a second
member below the surface relative to which the apparatus is
mounted. In practice, the attachment or mounting can be achieved
using one or more fasteners extending into or through both the
annular member and the second member. If the fasteners are
installed through the annular member on top of the surface, then it
is preferred that a cover is provided in order to cover the annular
member and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the flush
mounted rod holder and cover the fasteners. Where provided in this
form, it is preferred that an underside of the annular member is
preferably stepped to correspond to the shape of the radially
extending flange provided on the rod holding tube. The cover can
engage with the annular member in any way such as by snap fitting
over the annular member but preferably, an external thread is
provided on the annular member and a corresponding thread is
provided on a lower portion of the inside of the cover to allow the
cover to be threaded onto the annular member. This particular
embodiment may be advantageous in that the fasteners can be
inserted from above the level of the surface rather than below and
the cover can simply be removed in order to adjust the force
required to rotate the rod holding tube and then replaced Wendy
adjustment is complete. This may provide a more easily accessible
and adjustable assembly.
[0042] According to aspects of the present invention, different
thickness friction/tension members may be provided and/or one or
more additional annular members of different thicknesses may be
provided in order to adjust the clamping force exerted on the rod
holding tube in order to adjust the ease of rotation of the rod
holding tube. The members may be provided with openings either into
or through depending upon the configuration of fasteners used and
depending upon the required attachment between the members.
[0043] In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
rod holding tube with a radially extending flange and with a shaped
upper surface can be provided in order that only a single component
of the flush mounted rotatable rod holder is provided above the
surface. In this way, the rod holding tube is inserted through the
mounting opening in the surface until the underside of the radially
extending flange abuts an upper side of the surface and the shaped
upper surface will provide the flush mounting with the surface and
lead to the bore of the rod holding tube. In this embodiment, an
annular member which is engageable with the rod holding tube and
preferably, with the radially extending flange of the rod holding
tube is provided on an underside of the surface in order to
sandwich the surface between the underside of the radially
extending flange and the annular member. In this embodiment, the
radially extending flange of the rod holding tube is preferably
provided with part of a bayonet engagement fitting and the annular
member is preferably provided with an upstanding neck surrounding
the opening of the annular member and provided with a corresponding
portion of the bayonet engagement fitting such that the rod holding
tube is inserted through the mounting opening in the surface and
the annular member is located thereabouts from below with the
upstanding neck extending through the mounting opening whereby the
upstanding neck and more particularly the corresponding portion of
the bayonet engagement fitting can engage with the part of the
bayonet engagement fittings provided on the rod holding tube in
order to attach the components together. In this preferred
embodiment, two components are provided with the components
utilising a bayonet engagement fitting to engage with one another
whereby the two can be rotated relative to one another to lock and
unlock the components from one another. Either the radially
extending flange and/or the annular member may be provided with one
or more angled or inclined walls or portions such that the action
of relative rotation of the two components will act to draw the two
components toward one another and twisting to unlock the
components, forces the two components to move apart.
[0044] In this embodiment, the bayonet engagement portion normally
includes a one or more tongues extending radially away from the
near received in corresponding openings in an underside of the
radially extending flange with an enlarged wall portions separating
the openings in the radially extending flange such that the tongues
can be inserted into the openings when aligned and to the
components can be locked together when the 2 components are rotated
relative to one another such that the tongues are out of alignment
with the openings.
[0045] The engagement can be provided with a single, radial
tongue.
[0046] Other mechanisms such as a ratchet mechanism may be provided
in order to allow a user to tighten to a degree and have the
components locked relative to one another against normal use but
not determined rotation in the opposite direction. Alternatively,
one or more fasteners may be provided between the components in
order to apply a compression force allowing adjustment of the ease
of rotation of the rod holding tube.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the underside of the radially
extending flange may include a track in order to receive one or
more planar plate members associated with a threaded fastener.
Typically, more than one planar plate and fastener assembly are
provided spaced around the radially extending flange. The fastener
is typically received through an annular member provided on the
underside of the surface relative to which the rod holder is
mounted and then into the plate. This will typically allow a user
to not only attach the annular member to the radially extending
flange but also adjust the compression force applied in order to
adjust the amount of force required to rotate the rod holder in
situ.
[0048] In yet another alternative embodiment, a tensioning element
may be provided. The tensioning element according to a preferred
embodiment is an annulus which can be rotated in order to adjust
the force required to rotate the rod holding tube. In particular,
the preferred annulus is provided with at least one, and normally a
number of slot openings in order to receive fasteners there through
but still allow rotation of the tensioning element relative to the
fasteners and one or more angled surfaces on the upper and/or lower
side of the element, adjacent each of the slot openings such that a
portion of the fastener received through the slot opening rides on
the one or more angled surfaces. Typically, the head of the
fastener will abut the one or more angled surfaces such that
rotation of the tensioning element in a first direction will result
in the head riding on the inclined surface to force the fasteners
away from the component that the fasteners are attached to,
normally a component above the surface, which in turn draws that
component closer to the surface and increases the force required to
rotate the rod holder, and rotation in the opposite direction
results in the heads of the fasteners riding on the inclined
surfaces to allow the component that the fasteners are attached to,
normally the component above the surface, which in turn allows that
component to be loosened relative to the surface, decreasing the
force required to rotate the rod holder. According to a
particularly preferred embodiment, an inner and an outer inclined
surface is provided relative to each slot and normally there are a
number of slots, one for each of the fasteners.
[0049] This flush mount rotatable rod holder also has the scope to
be mounted in association with a motorised electric drive system
for powered rotation of the rod holder to any position, potentially
by a remote control device. It is preferred that an electric motor
is provided with an output member shaped to engage with the rod
holding tube, and preferably a portion of the radially extending
flange of the rod holding tube. Preferably, the output member is
substantially T-shaped when viewed from the side with a preferably
circular upper portion and an elongate arm extending substantially
centrally from the preferred circular upper portion. The circular
upper portion can be provided with an engagement mechanism in order
to engage with a portion of the radially extending flange of the
rod holding tube. According to a most preferred embodiment, an edge
of the preferred circular upper portion of the output member abuts
or engages a portion of the radially extending flange, preferably
an outer side edge of the radially extending flange. Preferably,
the edge of the preferred circular upper portion of the output
member and/or the outer side edge of the radially extending flange
may have engagement portions provided thereon. In one form, the
engagement portions may include one or more teeth but it is
anticipated that the engagement between the edge of the preferred
circular upper portion of the output member and the outer side edge
of the radially extending flange may be friction only. An increased
friction portion may be provided on the edge of the preferred
circular upper portion of the output member and/or the outer side
edge of the radially extending flange.
[0050] Preferably, the edge of the preferred circular upper portion
of the output member will also abut a portion of the cover member
and indeed, an annular track may be provided or defined between an
outer edge of the radially extending flange of the rod holder and
an inner surface of the cover whether these components are provided
as 2 separate components or as a single component.
[0051] Normally, the preferred electric motor is provided below the
surface relative to which the rod holder is mounted and the
elongate arm extends upwardly through any flanges or annular member
is provided to locate the upper portion of the output member
adjacent to the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube.
In use, the elongate arm may extend through and be guided by one or
more openings provided in the components of the rod holder.
[0052] A device may be provided for insertion into the rod holding
tube to engage with or lock the gimbal pin and then rotated.
[0053] A capped top which acts as a water proof sealing device may
be provided for closing the bore when a rod is not in position.
[0054] Any one of a variety of mechanisms may be used to at least
temporarily lock the rotatable mounted fishing rod holder of the
present invention in position or orientation.
[0055] In one preferred embodiment, an annular gasket may be
provided relative to a gunwale with an annular baseplate located
above the gasket. A generally annular flange preferably extends
transversely from the rod holding tube. One or more low friction
annular guide members may be provided between the generally annular
flange and the annular baseplate. One or more low friction annular
guide members may also be provided between the generally annular
flange and an upper cover plate. The cover plate preferably has an
opening substantially centrally located in the cover plate in order
to communicate with the rod holding tube. In this preferred
embodiment, the generally annular flange will preferably have a
shaped locking detail provided on at least one surface, and
preferably a circumferential surface of the annular flange. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the locking detail is preferably
a scalloped surface having alternating peaks and valleys extending
about the circumferential edge of the annular flange. A locking
lever is typically provided in association with the cover plate and
which is movable between a locked condition, in which a portion of
the locking lever and/or a member associated with the locking lever
and moved by the locking lever, will engage with the locking detail
on the annular flange and an unlocked condition, in which a portion
of the locking lever and/or a member associated with the locking
lever and moved by the locking lever, will be free from the locking
detail. The locking lever will typically be moved manually by an
operator in order to release the fishing rod holder for rotation or
to lock the position and/orientation of the fishing rod holder as
required. Typically, the locking lever will be biased into the
locked condition but there may be situations where the locking
lever is moved to the unlocked condition and temporarily maintained
in that position through a latching mechanism in order to allow the
locking lever to be held in the unlocked condition allowing the
fishing rod holder to freely rotate until locked by a user by
releasing the latching mechanism, and engaging the lever.
[0056] In an alternative configuration, the construction of the
fishing rod holder may be similar to that described above but
instead of the locking detail provided on the annular flange having
the above-described form, the locking detail may include one or
more locking openings extending into the annular flange typically
substantially vertically. In this configuration, a button or
similar arrangement may be provided. Preferably, the button will be
biased into the locked condition in which a portion of the button
or a shaped protrusion associated therewith will engage with the
one or more locking openings in order to temporarily lock the
fishing rod holder against rotation. The button will typically be
mounted for pivotal movement and preferably, the button can be
depressed on one edge in order to raise the opposite edge with the
shaped protrusion being located on an underside of the button such
that depressing one edge of the button also withdraws the shaped
protrusion from the one or more locking openings allowing the rod
holder to rotate. In this configuration, the annular flange may
have one or more locking openings extending into the body of the
flange substantially vertically or alternatively, the one or more
locking openings may be provided as one or more scalloped surfaces
having alternating peaks and valleys extending about the at least a
portion of the circumferential edge of the annular flange.
[0057] In a further alternative configuration, the annular flange
may be provided with one or more locking openings and the cover
plate may be threadingly attached relative to the baseplate in
order to change the separation distance between an underside of the
cover plate and the annular flange. In this particular
configuration an annular guide is preferably provided above the
annular flange with at least one, and typically a number of locking
pins mounted relative thereto. Each of the locking pins will
typically be biased into an unlocked condition in which the locking
pins are free from the at least one opening in the annular flange
but when the cover plate is screwed down towards the annular
flange, at least a portion of at least one of the locking pins is
preferably forced into engagement with at least one of the openings
in the annular flange in order to prevent rotation of the annular
flange and thereby prevent rotation of the rod holding tube. The
cover plate may be provided with one or more enlarged portions in
order to allow a user to more easily grip the cover plate to lock
and unlock the cover plate through rotation which will change the
separation distance between the underside of the cover plate and
the annular flange to either force the locking pins into the locked
condition or to allow the pins to be injected from the at least one
opening in the annular flange in the unlocked condition.
[0058] In yet a further embodiment, the cover plate may be
threadingly attached relative to the baseplate in order to change
the separation distance between an underside of the cover plate and
the annular flange and a spring steel locking plate may be provided
between the cover plate and the annular flange. In this embodiment,
the spring steel locking plate may engage directly with the annular
flange through friction or alternatively, one or more protrusions
may be provided on an underside of the locking plate such that when
the locking plate is forced onto the annular flange by tightening
the cover plate relative to the annular flange, the one or more
protrusions may be forced into one or more locking openings or
detents provided on a surface of the annular flange.
[0059] In configurations where the cover plate is threadingly
attached relative to the baseplate in order to change the
separation distance between an underside of the cover plate and the
annular flange, normally an at least partially threaded upstand is
provided relative to the baseplate, potentially integrated with the
baseplate and a correspondingly at least partially threaded portion
is provided on an underside of the cover plate such that the
separation between the cover plate on the annular flange can be
changed by tightening or loosening the cover plate relative to the
baseplate.
[0060] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any
combination with any one or more of the other features described
herein within the scope of the invention.
[0061] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of
suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0062] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the
invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description
which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art
to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be
regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the
Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference
to a number of drawings as follows:
[0063] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a rotatable flush mounted
fishing rod holder according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0064] FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush
mounted fishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the
front.
[0065] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush
mounted fishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the rear.
[0066] FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush
mounted fishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the side.
[0067] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a partially assembled fishing
rod holder with the cover member removed.
[0068] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the rotatable flush mounted
fishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the side.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 6 in the assembled configuration.
[0070] FIG. 8 is an isometric view from above of a cover member
according to a preferred embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 9 is an isometric view from below of the cover member
illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0072] FIG. 10 is an isometric front elevation view of the rod
holding tube according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the rod holding tube illustrated
in FIG. 10.
[0074] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the rod holding tube
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the rod holding tube
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0076] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a rotatable flush mounted
fishing rod holder according to an alternative preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an alternative second member
configuration.
[0078] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another alternative second
member configuration.
[0079] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a further alternative second
member configuration.
[0080] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of still another alternative
second member configuration.
[0081] FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric front view of another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 19.
[0083] FIG. 21 is an exploded view from the rear of yet another
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 22 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 21.
[0085] FIG. 23 is an exploded view from the front of still another
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 24 is an isometric front view of a second member
according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 25 is a sectional isometric view of a flush mounted
fishing rod holder without the rod holding tube according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0088] FIG. 26 is a detailed view of one end of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0089] FIG. 27 is a more detailed view of the engagement mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 26 in the disengaged condition.
[0090] FIG. 28 shows the configuration illustrated in FIG. 27 but
in the engaged condition.
[0091] FIG. 29 is an isometric view from below of a tensioning
device according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0092] FIG. 30 is an isometric view from above of the tensioning
device illustrated in FIG. 29.
[0093] FIG. 31 is a further isometric view from below of the
tensioning device illustrated in FIG. 29.
[0094] FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of a flush mounted rotating
fishing rod holder with motor and drive system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] FIG. 33 is a partially transparent view from above of the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 32.
[0096] FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 32.
[0097] FIG. 35 is an exploded isometric view of a further possible
configuration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder
according to a preferred embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 35 along line A-A.
[0099] FIG. 37 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 35 with the cover plate removed in the locked condition.
[0100] FIG. 38 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 37 in the unlocked condition.
[0101] FIG. 39 is an exploded isometric view of a further possible
configuration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder
according to a preferred embodiment.
[0102] FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 39 along line B-B in the unlocked condition.
[0103] FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 39 along line B-B in the locked condition.
[0104] FIG. 42 is an exploded isometric view of a further possible
configuration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder
according to a preferred embodiment.
[0105] FIG. 43 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 42 with the cover plate removed.
[0106] FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 42 along line C-C in the locked condition.
[0107] FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 42 along line C-C in the unlocked condition.
[0108] FIG. 46 is an isometric view from above of a further
possible configuration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder
according to a preferred embodiment.
[0109] FIG. 47 is an isometric view from below of the rod holder
illustrated in FIG. 46.
[0110] FIG. 48 is an exploded isometric view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46
[0111] FIG. 49 is an exploded isometric view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 47.
[0112] FIG. 50 is a front elevation view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46.
[0113] FIG. 51 is a right side elevation view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46.
[0114] FIG. 52 is a left side elevation view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46.
[0115] FIG. 53 is a plan view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 46.
[0116] FIG. 54 is a bottom view of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 46.
[0117] FIG. 55 is a front elevation view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46 attached to a gunwale and in the locked
condition.
[0118] FIG. 56 is a sectional side view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 55 along line D-D.
[0119] FIG. 57 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 56 and identified as "E".
[0120] FIG. 58 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 56 and identified as "F".
[0121] FIG. 59 is an isometric view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46 with the cover plate removed.
[0122] FIG. 60 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 59 and identified as "G".
[0123] FIG. 61 is a sectional view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 60 along line H-H.
[0124] FIG. 62 is a front elevation view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 46 attached to a gunwale and in the unlocked
condition.
[0125] FIG. 63 is a sectional side view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 55 along line I-I.
[0126] FIG. 64 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 63 and identified as "J".
[0127] FIG. 65 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 63 and identified as "K".
[0128] FIG. 66 is an isometric view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 63 with the cover plate removed.
[0129] FIG. 67 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 66 and identified as "L".
[0130] FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the portion illustrated in
FIG. 67 along line M-M.
[0131] FIG. 69 is an isometric view of a flush mounted rotatable
fishing rod holder according to an embodiment of the fishing rod
installed.
[0132] FIG. 70 is an isometric view of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 69 but with the fishing rod rotated 90.degree.
to the left.
[0133] FIG. 71 is an exploded isometric view of a further preferred
embodiment of flush mounted rotatable fishing rod holder according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0134] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
present invention, rotatable fishing rod holder 10 for installation
into the gunwale 11 of a boat or watercraft is provided.
[0135] In the preferred form illustrated, the rotatable flush
mounted fishing rod holder 10 includes a rod holding tube 12 with
an annular flange 13 extending radially from an upper end of the
rod holding tube 12, an annular friction member 14 for abutting of
an underside of the annular flange 13 and an annular cover member
15 to attach relative to the gunwale 11 over the annular flange 13
to hold the rod holding tube 12 to the gunwale 11 but allow
rotation of the rod holding tube 12 relative thereto.
[0136] The rod holding tube 12 includes a bore 16, normally
centrally located through the tube 12. The bore may be of any
internal cross-sectional shape but will normally be substantially
circular as illustrated.
[0137] The rod holding tube 12 is elongate with the length varying
in order to securely receive rods of different lengths although the
length of the elongate rod holding tube 12 will typically vary
according to the internal and/or external dimension of the rod
holding tube.
[0138] The rod holding tube 12 of the illustrated embodiment is
generally circular in cross-sectional shape although other shapes
may be used.
[0139] A radially extending flange 13 is provided at an upper end
of the rod holding tube 12. According to the particularly preferred
embodiment illustrated (best seen in FIGS. 10 to 13), the radially
extending flange 13 is stepped having an outer, a lower annular
portion 17 and an inner, higher annular portion 18.
[0140] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 best, the rod holding tube
12 is provided with a shaped inlet or opening at an upper end
thereof, through the radially extending flange 13. According to the
most preferred embodiment, a portion of the bore 16 provided
tangentially to one side of the upper end of the bore and a tapered
wall 19 is provided about the remainder of the upper end of the
bore 16.
[0141] The rod holding tube 12 is preferably unitary in
construction.
[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 12 in particular, the radially
extending flange 13 will normally be provided at an angle to the
longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube 12. The angle of the
radially extending flange 13 relative to the longitudinal axis of
the rod holding tube 12 will normally define the rest angle of the
rod.
[0143] Generally, the rod holding tube angle has varying degrees of
inclination relative to the gunwale 11 such as substantially 90
degrees, but inclinations of 75 degrees and 60 degrees will be more
preferred.
[0144] The present invention also includes a cover member 15, one
preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The
cover member 15 will preferably be generally circular although
other shapes could be used. The cover member 15 will preferably be
provided with a central opening 20 therethrough. The central
opening is defined by a periphery 21 dimensioned to receive the
inner, higher stepped portion 18 of the radially extending flange
13 of the rod holding tube 12 closely within, normally in abutment
and an upper surface of the higher stepped portion 18 of the
radially extending flange 13 will preferably be flush with an upper
extremity of the cover member 15 when properly assembled.
[0145] The cover member 15 of the illustrated embodiment is
provided with an arcuate top surface 22 and a depending,
circumferentially extending skirt 23. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the
skirt 23 defines a step within the cover member 15 to correspond
with the step shape of the radially extending flange 13 of the rod
holding tube 12.
[0146] According to a most preferred embodiment, a lower surface 24
of an inner step of the cover member 15 abuts the lower, outer step
17 of the radially extending flange 13 provided on the rod holding
tube 12 and an inner surface of a lower step will abut an outer
circumferential surface of the lower, outer step 17 of the radially
extending flange 13. In this way, the radially extending flange 13
of the rod holding tube 12 is sandwiched between the gunwale 11
relative to which the rod holder 10 is attached and the cover
member 15. Normally, the friction between the gunwale 11 will act
to allow rotation but minimise movement of the rod holding tube
12.
[0147] One or more, preferably three receiving assemblies 26 are
provided about the skirt 23 of the cover member 15 in order to
receive fasteners (not illustrated) to attach the cover member 15
to the gunwale 11. Normally, the receiving assemblies 26 are
provided relative to an underside of the skirt 23 as shown in FIG.
9. It is particularly preferred that the receiving openings in the
receiving assemblies 26 extend into but not through the cover
member 15. The receiving assemblies illustrated are at least
partially received in complementary openings 27 provided in the
gunwale to prevent rotation of the cover member 15 even if the rod
holding tube 12 is rotated.
[0148] The cover member may be metal or plastic and will typically
be unitary.
[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention
includes a friction member 14 located between the gunwale 11
relative to which the rod holder 10 is attached and an underside of
the radially extending flange 13. Preferably, the friction member
is a substantially planar, annular disc. An opening will normally
be provided through the friction member 14 in order to receive the
rod holding tube 12.
[0150] An upper surface of the friction member will normally abut a
lower surface of the radially extending flange on the rod holding
tube and a lower surface of the friction member will normally abut
an upper surface of the gunwale. In this way, the friction member
will typically be sandwiched between the surface and the radially
extending flange of the rod holding tube.
[0151] The friction member may be provided in a low friction or
high friction configuration. Further, one surface of the friction
member may be low friction on the opposite surface may be high
friction. This will preferably allow movement in particular
configurations and/or prevent/minimise movement in other
configurations.
[0152] One or more openings will normally be provided through the
friction member in order to allow the preferred fasteners to pass
through the friction member. The friction member will typically be
similarly sized to the external diameter of the skirt of the
radially extending flange 13 as illustrated best in FIG. 7.
[0153] Fasteners may be installed from the lower side upwardly into
or through the cover member or alternatively, the fasteners may
extend downwardly through the cover members although this is less
preferred as it leaves the fasteners exposed. The fasteners will
typically have the form of elongate, threaded members such as
screws or bolts but other fastening assemblies may be used. The
degree to which the preferably threaded fasteners are tightened
will affect the ease of rotation of the rod holder with tighter
fasteners resulting in a more difficult to rotate assembly and
looser fasteners meaning the assembly is more easily rotated but
less likely to maintain the orientation once rotated.
[0154] The assembly may further include a second member 28
preferably a disc of similar shape and dimensions to the friction
member 14 for reinforcing or stabilising the assembly. This second
member 28 will preferably be provided to strengthen the assembly.
Normally, the second member 28 is located under the gunwale 11.
Preferably, the fasteners will extend through the second member 28,
through the gunwale 11, through the friction member 14 and into the
underside of the cover member 15.
[0155] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the
cover 15 may be provided with a bevelled or rolled inner edge 30
which allows the cover 15 to be flush with the tapered wall 19
leading to the bore 16 at the upper end of the rod holding tube 12,
rather than receiving a portion or step of the radially extending
flange of the rod holding tube at an upper end in order to be flush
with that portion as illustrated in FIG. 1. The difference is
largely one of aesthetics but a rolled or bevelled edge 30 provided
on the inner edge of the cover 15 may reduce damage to the bore 16,
particularly if the cover 15 is made of a material such as metal
and the rod holding tube 12 is made of plastic for example. In this
embodiment, the underside of the cover 15 will normally have a
stepped profile in order to match the stepped profile of the
radially extending flange of the rod holding tube so as to allow
rotation of the rod holding tube relative to the cover.
[0156] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
19 and 20, the cover 15 may attach to an annular top member 31 in
order to cover the fasteners. As illustrated, the annular top
member 31 is provided above the radially extending flange 13 of the
rod holding tube and be attached to or mounted to a second member
32 below the surface relative to which the apparatus is mounted. In
practice, the annular top member 31 is attached through the surface
to the second member 32 below the surface using one or more
fasteners extending into or through both the annular top member 31
and the second member 32. The cover 15 is provided in order to
cover the annular top member 31 and provide an aesthetically
pleasing finish to the flush mounted rod holder and cover the
fasteners. Where provided in this form, it is preferred that the
underside of the annular top member 31 is stepped to correspond to
the shape of the radially extending flange 13 provided on the rod
holding tube as illustrated best in FIG. 20. The cover 15 can
engage with the annular top member 31 in any way such as by snap
fitting over the annular member but preferably, an external thread
is provided on the annular top member 31 and a corresponding thread
is provided on a lower portion of the inside of the cover 15 to
allow the cover to be threaded onto the annular top member 31. This
particular embodiment may be advantageous in that the fasteners can
be inserted from above the level of the surface rather than below
and the cover 15 can simply be removed in order to adjust the force
required to rotate the rod holding tube and then replaced when the
adjustment is complete. This may provide a more easily accessible
and adjustable assembly.
[0157] According to aspects of the present invention, different
thickness friction/tension members may be provided and/or one or
more additional annular members of different thicknesses may be
provided in order to adjust the clamping force exerted on the rod
holding tube in order to adjust the ease of rotation of the rod
holding tube. Examples are illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18. The
members may be provided with openings either into the member, as
illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 or through the member as illustrated
in FIGS. 15 and 16 depending upon the configuration of fasteners
used and depending upon the required attachment between the
members.
[0158] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 22, a one-piece rod holding tube 12 with a radially
extending flange 13 and with a shaped upper surface can be provided
in order that only a single component of the flush mounted
rotatable rod holder is provided above the surface. In this way,
the rod holding tube 12 is inserted through the mounting opening in
the surface until the underside of the radially extending flange 13
abuts an upper side of the surface and the shaped upper surface
will provide the flush mounting with the surface and lead to the
bore 16 of the rod holding tube 12. In this embodiment, an annular
member 33 which is engageable with the radially extending flange 13
of the rod holding tube is provided on an underside of the surface
in order to sandwich the surface between the underside of the
radially extending flange 13 and the annular member 33.
[0159] In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 13 of the
rod holding tube is provided with a first part of a bayonet
engagement fitting and the annular member 33 is provided with an
upstanding neck surrounding the opening of the annular member with
a corresponding portion of the bayonet engagement fitting such that
the rod holding tube 12 is inserted through the mounting opening in
the surface and the annular member 22 is located thereabouts from
below with the upstanding neck extending through the mounting
opening whereby the upstanding neck and the corresponding portion
of the bayonet engagement fitting can engage with the part of the
bayonet engagement fitting provided on the underside of the
radially extending flange 13 in order to attach the components
together. In this preferred embodiment, two components are provided
with the components utilising a bayonet engagement fitting to
engage with one another whereby the two can be rotated relative to
one another to lock and unlock the components from one another.
[0160] In this embodiment, the bayonet engagement portion normally
includes a one or more tongues 34 extending radially away from the
neck received in corresponding openings 35 in an underside of the
radially extending flange with an enlarged wall portion separating
the openings 35 in the radially extending flange such that the
tongues 34 can be inserted into the openings 35 when aligned and to
the components can be locked together when the two components are
rotated relative to one another such that the tongues 34 are out of
alignment with the openings 35.
[0161] According to the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
23 and 24, the engagement can be provided with a single, radial
tongue 36.
[0162] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 28, the
underside of the one piece radially extending flange 13 can include
a track 37 in order to receive one or more planar plates 38
associated with a threaded fastener 39. The fastener is typically
received through an annular member 40 provided on the underside of
the surface relative to which the rod holder is mounted and then
into the plate 38. This will typically allow a user to not only
attach the annular member 40 to the radially extending flange 13
but also adjust the compression force applied in order to adjust
the amount of force required to rotate the rod holder in situ. The
track 37 has an annular opening smaller in width than the track and
into which an annular ridge on the annular member 40 is
received.
[0163] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 31, a
tensioning element 41 may be provided. The tensioning element 41
illustrated is an annulus which can be rotated in order to adjust
the force required to rotate the rod holding tube. In particular,
the annulus is provided with a number of slot openings 42 in order
to receive fasteners 43 therethrough but still allow rotation of
the tensioning element 41 relative to the fasteners 43. According
to the illustrated embodiment, an inner inclined surface 44 and an
outer inclined surface 45 are provided relative to each slot 42.
Typically, the head 46 of the fastener 43 will abut the inclined
surfaces 44, 45 such that rotation of the tensioning element 41 in
a first direction will result in the head 46 riding on the inclined
surfaces 44, 45 to force the fasteners 43 away from the component
that the fasteners are attached to, normally a component above the
surface, which in turn draws that component closer to the surface
and increases the force required to rotate the rod holder (as it
will normally be clamped between the component above the surface
and the surface), and rotation in the opposite direction results in
the heads 46 of the fasteners 43 riding on the inclined surfaces
44, 45 to allow the component that the fasteners 43 are attached to
be loosened relative to the surface, decreasing the force required
to rotate the rod holder.
[0164] The flush mount rotatable rod holder also has the scope to
be mounted in association with a motorised electric drive system
for powered rotation of the rod holder to any position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 34, potentially by a remote control
device. It is preferred that an electric motor 47 is provided with
an output member shaped to engage with the rod holding tube, and
preferably a portion of the radially extending flange 13 of the rod
holding tube or cover 15. As shown in FIG. 32, the output member is
substantially T-shaped when viewed from the side with a circular
upper portion 48 and an elongate arm 49 extending substantially
centrally from the circular upper portion 48.
[0165] According to a most preferred embodiment, an edge of the
circular upper portion 48 of the output member abuts or engages an
outer side edge of the radially extending flange of the rod holding
tube. The edge of the circular upper portion 48 of the output
member and/or the outer side edge of the radially extending flange
may have engagement portions provided thereon. In one form, the
engagement portions may include one or more teeth but it is
anticipated that the engagement between the edge of the preferred
circular upper portion of the output member and the outer side edge
of the radially extending flange may be friction only. An increased
friction portion may be provided on the edge of the preferred
circular upper portion of the output member and/or the outer side
edge of the radially extending flange.
[0166] As seen in FIGS. 33 and 34 particularly, the circular upper
portion 48 of the output member will also abut a portion of the
cover member and indeed, an annular track 50 may be provided or
defined between an outer edge of the radially extending flange of
the rod holder and an inner surface of the cover whether these
components are provided as 2 separate components or as a single
component.
[0167] Normally, the preferred electric motor is provided below the
surface relative to which the rod holder is mounted and the
elongate arm extends upwardly through any flanges or annular
members provided to locate the upper portion of the output member
adjacent to the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube.
In use, the elongate arm may extend through and be guided by one or
more openings provided in the components of the rod holder.
[0168] The manual operation of the rotatable flush mount rod holder
is predominately by the fishing rod butt or stock which is inserted
into the rod holding tube to the gimbal and a twisting motion made
for adjustment, or if allowable, reaching under the gunnel and
manually rotating the tube, also by a twisting motion, to any
desired position. The rotatable rod holder may also possibly be
adjusted by manually gripping the top of the rod holding tube or
the flange.
[0169] A variety of mechanisms may be used to at least temporarily
lock the rotatable mounted fishing rod holder of the present
invention in position or orientation.
[0170] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 35 to 38 and 71, an
annular gasket 50 is provided relative to a gunwale with an annular
baseplate 51 located above the gasket 50. A generally annular
flange 52 extends transversely from the rod holding tube 53. A low
friction annular guide member 54 is provided between the generally
annular flange 52 and the annular baseplate 51 and a second low
friction annular guide member 54 is provided between the generally
annular flange 52 and an upper cover plate 55. The cover plate 55
has an opening 56 substantially centrally located in the cover
plate 55 in order to communicate with the rod holding tube 53. In
this preferred embodiment, the generally annular flange 52 has a
shaped locking detail provided on the circumferential surface of
the annular flange 52. In the illustrated particularly preferred
embodiment, the locking detail is a scalloped surface having
alternating peaks and valleys extending about the circumferential
edge of the annular flange 52. A locking lever 57 is provided in
association with the cover plate 55 and which is movable between a
locked condition (illustrated in FIG. 37) in which a portion of the
locking lever 57 engages with the locking detail on the annular
flange 52 and an unlocked condition (illustrated in FIG. 38) in
which a portion of the locking lever 57 is free from the locking
detail. The locking lever 57 will typically be moved manually by an
operator in order to release the fishing rod holder for rotation or
to lock the position and/orientation of the fishing rod holder as
required. The locking lever 57 may be biased into the locked
condition but there may be situations where the locking lever 57 is
moved to the unlocked condition and temporarily maintained in that
position through a latching mechanism (not shown) in order to allow
the locking lever to be held in the unlocked condition allowing the
fishing rod holder to freely rotate until locked by a user by
releasing the latching mechanism.
[0171] In a further alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS.
39 to 41, the annular flange 52 may be provided with a number of
locking openings 58 and the cover plate 55 may be threadingly
attached relative to the baseplate 51 in order to change the
separation distance between an underside of the cover plate 55 and
the annular flange 52. In this particular configuration, an annular
guide 59 is provided above the annular flange 52 with a number of
locking pins 60 mounted relative thereto. Each of the locking pins
60 is biased into an unlocked condition by a spring 61 in which the
locking pins 60 are free from the opening 58 in the annular flange
52 but when the cover plate 55 is screwed down towards the annular
flange 52, at least a portion of the locking pins 60 is forced into
engagement with at least one of the openings 58 in the annular
flange 52 in order to prevent rotation of the annular flange 52 and
thereby prevent rotation of the rod holding tube 53. The cover
plate 55 may be provided with an enlarged portion 62 in order to
allow a user to more easily lock and unlock the cover plate 62
through rotation which will change the separation distance between
the underside of the cover plate 55 and the annular flange 52 to
either force the locking pins 60 into the locked condition (as
illustrated in FIG. 41) or to allow the pins 60 to be ejected from
the at least one opening 58 in the annular flange 52 by the spring
61 in the unlocked condition (as illustrated in FIG. 40).
[0172] In yet a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 42 to 45,
the cover plate 55 may be threadingly attached relative to the
baseplate 51 in order to change the separation distance between an
underside of the cover plate 55 and the annular flange 52 and a
spring steel locking plate 63 is provided between the cover plate
55 and the annular flange 52. In this embodiment, the spring steel
locking plate 63 may engage directly with the annular flange 52
through friction or alternatively, one or more protrusions 64 may
be provided on an underside of the locking plate 63 such that when
the locking plate 63 is forced onto the annular flange by
tightening the cover plate 55 relative to the annular flange 52,
the one or more protrusions 64 are forced into one or more locking
openings or detents 65 provided on a surface of the annular flange
52 in order to lock the rotation (as illustrated in FIG. 44).
[0173] In configurations where the cover plate 55 is threadingly
attached relative to the baseplate 51 in order to change the
separation distance between an underside of the cover plate 55 and
the annular flange 52, normally at least partially threaded upstand
is provided relative to the baseplate, potentially integrated with
the baseplate and a correspondingly at least partially threaded
portion is provided on an underside of the cover plate such that
the separation between the cover plate on the annular flange can be
changed by tightening or loosening the cover plate relative to the
baseplate.
[0174] In an alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 46 to
68, the construction of the fishing rod holder may be similar to
that described above but instead of a lever, a depressible button
66 is provided. In this embodiment, the button 66 is pivotable
about a mounting pin 68 and biased into the locked condition by a
spring 67 (illustrated in detail in FIGS. 58 and 61) in which a
number of shaped protrusions 69 engage with the scalloped locking
detail on the annular flange 52 in order to temporarily lock the
fishing rod holder against rotation. The button 66 is mounted for
pivotal movement and, the button 66 can be depressed on one edge in
order to raise the opposite edge with the shaped protrusions 69
being located on an underside of the button 66 such that depressing
one edge of the button 66 also withdraws the shaped protrusions 69
from the locking detail allowing the rod holder to rotate (the
unlocked condition, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 65 and 68). In
this configuration, the annular flange 52 may have locking openings
extending into the body of the flange substantially vertically or
alternatively as illustrated, the locking detail is provided as one
or more scalloped surfaces having alternating peaks and valleys
extending about the at least a portion of the circumferential edge
of the annular flange 52.
[0175] Benefits of the present invention include when drifting,
anchored or trolling, rods can be placed in any functional
direction. When fishing in an environment affected by wind, current
and tide the rod and rod holder can be adjusted to compensate for
these effects. In the fishing procedures of re-rigging, baiting or
fish removal, the rod can be rotated inwards to the water craft
making these procedures an easier and safer process. When trolling,
rods and lines can be separated at various angles to alleviate the
problem of tangling. Another advantage of this design is when
underway, all rods can be set in a parallel position along the
gunnel of the water craft hence solving the problem of rods and
rigs protruding out of the water craft.
[0176] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word
`comprising` and its derivatives including `comprises` and
`comprise` include each of the stated integers but does not exclude
the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[0177] Reference throughout this specification to `one embodiment`
or `an embodiment` means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the appearance of the phrases `in one embodiment` or `in an
embodiment` in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
[0178] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific to structural or
methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to specific features shown or described since the means
herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention
into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its
forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended
claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the
art.
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